The adventures and updates of Elder Britton Winterrose, serving in the Alaska Anchorage Mission. A young man who's recognized the amazing gifts and talents he's been given and, in gratitude, chose to devote the next two years sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

I'm bummed that C. hasn't received his mission call yet! I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOREVER FOR IT!!!! I really want him to come to Alaska. Cause I think it would make a great story and be a ton of fun. But I know he will love whereever he gets called to serve.
I love Alaska. It is wonderful. Who knew that I would have ended up here of all places, and that I would be speaking Samoan. Speaking of Samoan... my companion and I were asked to join the Elders quorum in their dance that they are performing for the Mother's Day Party. (We have a party like once or twice a month) AND I asked President Dance and he said we could! SO I'm gonna dance!! And I'll make sure someone records it and sends it to you so you can see it!

Mom wanted to know more about my companion so here it is... My companion Elder Spencer D. is from Price, UT. He is 21, he likes starwars, and he is a pretty funny dude. He is the middle child of 3 boys. And he was raised in the church! THAT'S ABOUT IT!!

I feel for C. Everyone just wants you to do spiritual stuff, but you just want to enjoy being normal while you still can. Just make yourself do a little each day bro!
Everyone should watch this video.

We all struggle in our lives. It's that simple. Sometimes we are not sure why in-spite of all that we do, we are still tried. Sometimes the Lord gives us trials, or simply permits them, because he is trying to let us be humbled.

Ether 12:27
27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their aweakness. I bgive unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my cgrace is sufficient for all men that dhumble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make eweak things become strong unto them.

We just have to remember that we need to change something when He is showing us this weakness. I struggled to keep the Commandments for years and I just kept wondering why I would stumble and falter at doing something that Heavenly Father wanted me to do. It wasn't until I started doing my best to be obedient to all of His commandments, specifically in my case - reading the Book of Mormon and praying daily - that I had the strength that I needed to resist temptation. It's not that I wasn't giving it my all in the first place, but it was just that Heavenly Father gave me that weakness. He saw the best way to help me realize personally the importance of reading scriptures and the effect that it has on my ability to be obedient.
I was also reading through the account of the resurrection in each of the gospels on Sunday and a verse really stuck out to me.

It is Luke 24:46-47 specifically verse 47.
46. And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it abehoved Christ to suffer, and to brise from the dead the third day:

I love that it says that we are to preach repentance, and remission of sins. Repentance is making the change of course but Remission of sins is staying on the new course without wavering.
Sin in many ways is like cancer, it can often begin from something innocent, it can grow quickly out of control, or so slowly we don't notice it. It is destructive to our spirit. Our relationship with Heavenly Father is so important because it is the means by which we are able to receive guidance that we need.
Now think of the word remission. To have that sin, the thing that is standing between you and God, to be gone would be a tremendous gift. But the fact is that most people don't make those changes permanent. They don't know why they should change, or how to change, so they don't change. They don't grow, they don't improve that relationship or repair it, they are left to wander - wondering why everything is falling apart around them even though they believe in Jesus Christ.
Faith without works is dead. It is as simple as that. We can chose to exercise our faith by praying and seeking truth. PURE Truth. There is truth scattered all over the world intermingled with the philosophies of men. We need pure truth. If the Devil gets us to miss Heaven by 1 inch then we still miss! He is cleverly trying to deceive everyone. That is why the spirit is so important.

We need to pray and find out for ourselves if the whole thing is good and true, and not just cling to the one part of truth that a preacher includes in his sermon, strung together with his own logic. That is why we invite people to pray and ask God if the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true. Because they need to know that the whole thing is true, that it is Christ's true church - not just another person's interpretation of how the Bible tells us to worship.

I testify that I know this Church is true. I would not be here, sacrificing two of the most important years of my life, if it wasn't.
I have gained my testimony the same way that everyone who has a testimony of Christ, of Heavenly Father, of Joseph Smith, of this Church has... by sincerely, earnestly, and diligently praying and studying! By asking specific questions in prayer, and then taking the time to listen. I promise that anyone who does this will receive an answer.

I'm bummed that Chan hasn't received his mission call yet! I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOREVER FOR IT!!!! I really want him to come to Alaska. Cause I think it would make a great story and be a ton of fun. But I know he will love where ever he gets called to serve.

I love Alaska. It is wonderful. Who knew that I would have ended up here of all places, and that I would be speaking Samoan. Speaking of Samoan... my companion and I were asked to join the Elders quorum in their dance that they are performing for the Mother's Day Party. (We have a party like once or twice a month) AND I asked President Dance and he said we could! SO I'm gonna dance!! And I'll make sure someone records it and sends it to you so you can see it!

Mom wanted to know more about my companion so here it is... My companion Elder Spencer Denison is from Price, UT. He is 21, he likes Star Wars, and he is a pretty funny dude. He is the middle child of 3 boys. And he was raised in the church! THAT'S ABOUT IT!!

I feel for Chan. Everyone just wants you to do spiritual stuff, but you just want to enjoy being normal while you still can. Just make yourself do a little each day bro!

We all struggle in our lives. It's that simple. Sometimes we are not sure why in spite of all that we do, we are still tried. Sometimes the Lord gives us trials, or simply permits them, because he is trying to let us be humbled.

Ether 12:27

27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their aweakness. I bgive unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my cgrace is sufficient for all men that dhumble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make eweak things become strong unto them.

We just have to remember that we need to change something when He is showing us this weakness. I struggled to keep the Commandments for years and I just kept wondering why I would stumble and falter at doing something that Heavenly Father wanted me to do. It wasn't until I started doing my best to be obedient to all of His commandments, specifically in my case - reading the Book of Mormon and praying daily - that I had the strength that I needed to resist temptation. It's not that I wasn't giving it my all in the first place, but it was just that Heavenly Father gave me that weakness. He saw the best way to help me, personally, realize the importance of reading scriptures and the effect that it has on my ability to be obedient.

I was also reading through the account of the resurrection in each of the gospels on Sunday and a verse really stuck out to me. It is Luke 24:46-47 specifically verse 47:

46. And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it abehoved Christ to suffer, and to brise from the dead the third day: 47. And that arepentance and bremission of sins should be cpreached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

I love that it says that we are to preach repentance, and remission of sins. Repentance is making the change of course, but Remission of sins is staying on the new course without wavering. Sin in many ways is like cancer; it can often begin from something innocent, it can grow quickly out of control, or so slowly we don't notice it. It is destructive to our spirit. Our relationship with Heavenly Father is so important because it is the means by which we are able to receive guidance that we need.

Now think of the word remission. To have that sin, the thing that is standing between you and God, to be gone would be a tremendous gift. But the fact is that most people don't make those changes permanently. They don't know why they should change, or how to change, so they don't change. They don't grow, they don't improve that relationship or repair it, they are left to wander - wondering why everything is falling apart around them even though they believe in Jesus Christ.

Faith without works is dead. It is as simple as that. We can chose to exercise our faith by praying and seeking truth. PURE truth. There is truth scattered all over the world, intermingled with the philosophies of men. We need pure truth. If the Devil gets us to miss Heaven by 1 inch then we still miss! He is cleverly trying to deceive everyone. That is why the Spirit is so important. We need to pray and find out for ourselves if the whole thing is good and true, and not just cling to the one part of truth that a preacher includes in his sermon strung together with his own logic. That is why we invite people to pray and ask God if the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true. Because they need to know that the whole thing is true, that it is Christ's true church - not just another person's interpretation of how the Bible tells us to worship.

I testify that I know this Church is true. I would not be here sacrificing two of the most important years of my life if it wasn't. I have gained my testimony the same way that everyone who has a testimony of Christ, of Heavenly Father, of Joseph Smith, of this Church has... by sincerely, earnestly, and diligently praying and studying! By asking specific questions in prayer, and then taking the time to listen.

I promise that anyone who does this will receive an answer. Well I've only got 30 seconds left on the computer!

Monday, April 18, 2011

I don't think I can Skype for Mother's Day.... but I'm not sure. I've never thought to ask. The only thing I could see is that it would conflict with the white handbook rule about not using any non public computers.. But who knows.

My new companion is Elder D. I did end up staying in Anchorage. It's good and bad. It seems like all my friends got transferred out of here and I was left alone, but Elder D. is awesome. He loves Star Wars. We are pretty much best friends.

I feel pumped about missionary work right now. I don't know what it is. Maybe it is the sun being out, or maybe it is that my ankle is feeling better and my legs are getting stronger, but everything is just coming together. I feel my missionary energy returning. Biggest thing I can suggest to missionaries any where is to work. Read PMG about work. And then get out and find. If your feeling bummed, get yourself pumped. Jump around, take off your shirt and flex in the mirror and get pumped. Sing a song, say a prayer, and then get back out there and help someone. Make a difference. The most depressing thing is when we feel like we're not making a difference.

I have been asking myself the question, "Why" a lot lately. Why don't I want to go visit that person? Why don't I want to knock on that door? Why don't I want to get out of bed at 6:30? Why do I want to listen to non-church music? And it helps. It helps a lot. Someone in conference said that we need to become self chastising, and that we need to not get angry when others chastise us. That is something that I've been working very hard on throughout my mission and I think that it is helping me grow.

It's cool that the Ekstroms are moving to Anchorage. I love it here. You will have to get me their address when they move.

If you are feeling depressed, get out and do something more. Any doubt stems from a lack of faith in Jesus Christ. If I really love Christ, I will go out and try to help others find Him. If I really care about Him, I will do my best to follow His example and share His love with those around me.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Well, I just wanted to send a small email to let you know how its going. Elder W. is getting transferred to Willow and Talkeetna. SO we are crazy busy today.

As for what brands C. should buy, STAFFORD shirts, CTR pants. That is the only way to go. The Stafford's are the king of wrinkle free. You can even get away without hanging them or folding them. I sometimes just leave them in a hamper and pull them out as I need them... They smooth out completely within minutes. And the pockets are strong and the perfect size - they are way durable. Most shirts start having major problems with the collars beginning to wear quickly along the fold and with the little tabs. The Stafford ones that have internal tabs and the ones with the button down tabs are the ones I prefer. I like the button down tabs on the short sleeve shirts just because they function better when you are doing something active like spur the moment service or playing a quick game of b-ball. Also, don't get shirts with a tight neck, make sure you have plenty of room for comfort or you will end up going poly-style and leaving the top button undone all the time.... like me. ;) But seriously, the button-downs are awesome. It all depends which ones you love. Don't spend a cent on anything else. OH and the pocket on the Stafford is big enough to hold your missionary handbook, planner, name tag and a pen - perfectly. Most other shirts, all that stuff doesn't fit in the pockets. The CTR slacks and suit hold up amazingly. And you CAN wash the pants that come with the suits. Gold Toe socks are Great, just find a way to permanently mark the toes so you can identify them later on. They are awesome! I love those ones. Mine are just now beginning to wear out. But C. is going to Samoa so he is going to need a fai toga (the formal lava lava that they get to wear). AND some nice flip-flops.

Love You all! And I'm pretty bummed about Elder W. leaving but I know it will work out.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Elder A., Elder H., Elder R. and Elder Winterrose

I forgot my conference notes...

Well it's OK. I loved conference.

I loved the priesthood session. I hope the brothers wrote down the sections from D&C that speak of priesthood duty and are reading through them. You should study them as a family. I am grateful that they emphasized so many different things. This week was stressful. I won't talk about all the specifics of it all as it really doesn't do you any good. The only reason I even bring it up is because it is so important to always remember how Heavenly Father will support us through our trials. I loved that part of conference. I can't remember any of the specifics. I do remember that they used a quote that I misquoted a few weeks ago in my email. The one about the "The Gospel is here to comfort the afflicted and to afflict the comforted" Yeah... that is still one of my favorites. There are a lot of people that you meet on your mission who are just comfortable with not progressing or becoming better. I also loved the Be and Do talk. That was a goodin! And I loved the talks about adversity, and how our answers to blessings can consist of the trial being taken away, or us being strengthened. I also loved the part that spoke about how adversity can come not because we are disobedient but simply as a means of Heavenly Father redirecting our path to a greater path that he is currently preparing for us, one that we never would have expected. It is wonderful to look into our past and observe how it is through the smallest means that God brings about the greatest good both in our lives. Who knows....

I loved it all though... Elder Christofferson is the one I took the most notes during. I loved his talk. My mind is struggling to make the connections between all of the speakers and their topics though. I loved the one about seeking and accepting correction. I love that they mentioned that we should seek correction and look for that which can build us up or even help us change - even in the critical words of others. I also loved the part in a different talk about not letting someones mistakes become who they are. No matter how messed up anyone is, they are still a Child of a loving Heavenly Father. That's why we have to keep working so hard.

We have a baptism scheduled for this Saturday, for S. T. She came and took the lessons from us starting back in January, but then she dropped off the face of the earth for a while. Then like two weeks ago she showed back up and let us know that she wanted to be baptized!!! Awesome!

Well I love and miss you all. I will keep you posted, and let you know anything else I think of when I write again next week.

Oh and all the missionaries agree that you write the longest letters ever mom. That is a good thing though. I would hate to just have a few measly lines. And I think I usually do an OK job of writing back, sometimes. Hahah.

Love, Elder Britton P. Winterrose

OH and one more thing! I think C. is going to serve in Samoa. Its gonna happen. Pago Pago American Samoa. :) I'M SO FREAKING EXCITED FOR YOU BRO!

Maintained and updated by DeAnna Winterrose (his mom)

The adventures and updates of Elder Britton Winterrose, serving in the Alaska Anchorage Mission. A young man who's recognized the amazing gifts and talents he's been given and, in gratitude, chose to devote the next two years to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.